Steering noises

[lars1645]

Hey whats up everyone. First timer here. My mom has a 1996 Taurus 3.0 and when the wheel is being turned a scratching/schreeching noise is heard from the front passenger side wheel well area. Almost like it needs to be greased, but do you grease the front end of those cars? And if not is it a part that make that sound? By the way it makes the noise at idle and at low speed turns. Thanks for any help!!

[shorod]

When you mention that it makes the noise at idle, do you mean it make the noise at idle when turning the steering wheel, or it makes the noise at idle without turning?

Sounds like you might have a slipping and/or glazed belt. If it makes the noise at idle regardless of what you're doing with the steering wheel, try spraying some brake cleaner on the belt while the engine is idling. If the noise briefly goes away, you probably need to replace the belt. If it only does it when turning the steering wheel, then try the same thing while someone else turns the steering wheel. If the noise disappears briefly while spraying the belt, then a new belt will probably fix your problem.

The power steering pump loads the engine pretty harshly through the drive belt. So much so that a modern engine will actually increase the idle speed when the steering is turned to lock in one direction to prevent the load from stalling the engine. So, if the belt is glazed or already slipping, the extra load of the steering will cause it to slip even more.

-Rod

[lars1645]

I know this is not the belt making the noise. It only makes the sound when the wheel is turned. I dont suspect a power steering problem, but something to do with the suspension or swaybar, or something on the inside of the wheel. What is the plastic piece mounted on top of the spindle could that be making the noise? Thanks for the help though...

[shorod]

If you are certain it's not a belt, then it could be an outer tie rod end (factory ones commonly start to squeak), ball joint (similar to tie rod end, but less common to make noise in my experience), or a strut plate. That would be the most likely suspects. Try using a very small pick, poke a hole in the rubber boot for the outer tie rod end, then using a can of aerosol white lithium grease with a straw, inject some grease into the boot. If after a few turns the noise goes away, you know the noise is the outer tie rod end. The only long term fix is to replace the tie rod end.

If that doesn't have an effect, then do the same with the ball joint.

I would suggest the lithium grease rather than WD-40 or something similar as that may attack the rubber and other stuff inside the tie rod end.

-Rod

[TomV]

Several years ago I replaced the struts on my 1997. I tightened the tie rod ends too tight and got a squealing noise that I initially associated with the power steering pump. When I jacked up the front end (both wheels) there was no squealing. This was probably since there was no weight on the tie rod end surfaces. Eventually I separated the tie rod ends and greased them (no boots on mine) and still had to loosen up the tension until the noise went away.

[lars1645]

Allright I will try doing that, thanks I did stick my head under there while someone turned the wheel sounded and felt like it was really dry in the tie rod. I will also try to loosen it and see if it is too tight. To loosen and change the tie rod what must I do. Take the bolt off and try to seperate them? How about the inner rod how do I know how far to put the new tie rod on? if any of you have done this whats a quick rundown on the steps and/or tricky things I should know about before I get into it and end up blowing one of my gaskets. Thanks

[TomV]

Originally Posted by lars1645

Allright I will try doing that, thanks I did stick my head under there while someone turned the wheel sounded and felt like it was really dry in the tie rod. I will also try to loosen it and see if it is too tight. To loosen and change the tie rod what must I do. Take the bolt off and try to seperate them? How about the inner rod how do I know how far to put the new tie rod on? if any of you have done this whats a quick rundown on the steps and/or tricky things I should know about before I get into it and end up blowing one of my gaskets. Thanks

I just had to take off the outer tie rod ends for the strut replacement. Take the cotter pin off and unscrew (ratchet) the bolt. The two pieces should separate fairly easily since the bolt shaft is tapered. Use a little hammer force if necessary. I put some lithium grease on the surfaces and then put it back togther, tightening up and then testing for noise. If there was noise then I backed off until there was none. Then put a another cotter pin to hold the nut in place.

My tie rod ends were solid (ie. no play) so I could do this. If there is play in the joint (inside the boot) besides the smooth rotating motion, or if does not move smoothly, then replacing them is the real solution.

[Johnsmatrix]

For me it was my stabilizer bar. A long hardened plastic rod that attaches to the strut and has a ball joint at each end. Dealer $40.